Chapter 78:A Honeymoon Of Secrets

With its pristine beach, turquoise waters, and a sky so pure that it seemed like they were the only two people on the planet, the private island was a dream come true. A paradise reserved for them.

As Sophia stood on their villa's balcony overlooking the lake, the balmy evening wind encircled her like a lover's arms. She was wearing a silk slip dress, staring at the horizon with her bare feet pressed against the hardwood floor. Her joy was perfectly reflected in the pink and gold colors of the sunset that decorated the sky.

Robust arms encircled her from behind, drawing her up against a firm, well-known chest. Alexander pressed his lips on her flesh and buried his face in the bend of her neck.

He said, "You've been quiet."

Sophia drew close to him, enjoying his warmth. "I just had something to think about."

"Roughly? Her spine tingled with pleasure at the sound of his rich voice.

With her hands pressed against his wide chest, she rolled about in his arms. about us. about our progress.

Alexander traced her bottom lip with his thumb as he held her face. "I wouldn't believe it if someone had told me years ago that I would be here with you."

Her grin came out. "And now."

Something more than desire clouded his eyes, something unprotected and raw. "I can't imagine my life without you now."

With ease, he carried her into his arms. The doors were open and the ocean wind blew through the dimly lighted room. He placed her down on the plush bed and hung over her, looking into her eyes.

He said, "I want to learn every inch of you by heart."

As he gently kissed Sophia's forehead, cheeks, nose, and lips, her breath caught. As if he had endless time, he walked gently and relished every second.

She ran her hands through his hair and said, "I love you."

Something uncommon, something delicate, flickered over his face. "I can never express how much I love you."

Then he gave her a long, deep kiss that made her forget everything save how he made her feel like the only woman in the world and how he tasted and felt.

They made love as it was the first time, as if every minute was holy, that night beneath the moon's gentle brightness.

Additionally, there were no ghosts of the past between them for the first time in a long time.

Nothing except love.

Their bodies entangled under the silky covers, the night full of stolen kisses and murmured confessions. Sophia listened to Alexander's pulse, which was stable, while she made leisurely circles on his naked chest. He caressed her hair absently while holding her close.

They just lay there for a while, encased in one other's warmth. Alexander then sighed deeply and his hold on her became a little tighter.

His voice was a little lower than normal as he said, "I have something to tell you."

Gazing down at him, Sophia supported herself on one elbow. "What is it,"

He paused, as if he was considering what he was about to say. "My life has been devoted to safeguarding my family, business, and reputation. But I didn't know how much I needed someone to keep *me* safe. His eyes met hers, open and raw. And for the first time, I feel secure with you.

Sophia's heart grew as he revealed it. She put her palm over his jaw's little stubble and cradled his face. Alexander, you're not always need to be strong. I am here, and I will not go.

A specter of a grin pulled at his mouth, and he turned to give her hand a last kiss. "Although you don't know everything, you say that now."

Her forehead creased. “Then tell me.”

Rolling onto his back, he let out a breath and gazed up at the ceiling. "My history is more than simply strategic maneuvers and commercial rivalry. I've done things that I'm not particularly proud of. Additionally, some individuals haven't forgotten.

With a pout, Sophia ran her fingertips down his arm. "Do you feel threatened?"

Brushing a lock of hair behind her ear, he turned back to her. Not yet. However, I have adversaries who will stop at nothing to harm me. His jaw tensed. “Including you.”

Despite the shiver that went down her spine, she resisted allowing terror to take hold. Rather, she straddled his chest and planted a soft kiss on his lips. "After that, we together confront them."

Pulling her closer, Alexander's hands moved down her back. "You should not be so brave."

Her smile was a grin. "Or maybe I just know that we are stronger than anything right now."

When his lips met hers once again, whatever tension between them vanished in the warmth of their embrace.

Outside, however, a shadow hung on the brink of their paradise, an invisible danger that waited for the right opportunity to strike, while the waves roared on the coast.

The private home shone silver under the moon, and the soft sound of the waves filled the night air. Sophia felt as if she belonged to this very instant, this snatched moment when they were the only things that mattered, when she was in Alexander's arms.

With his lips sending feather-light kisses down her shoulder, Alexander hugged her close. "I never realized how much I needed you," he whispered against her skin.

With her fingertips making patterns on his naked chest, Sophia grinned. "And you surpass all my expectations, Mr. Blackwood."

With a single, quick move, he turned them over, his weight pressed pleasantly against her. His deep, dark gaze looked into hers. Using a sultry voice, he stated, "I want you to know something." "Sophia, you are my whole universe, no matter what. That will never alter, no matter what or who does.

Her breath caught at the honesty in his eyes. As she cupped his cheek, she said, "I know." "I love you for it."

A slow, intense kiss formed between their lips, the heat between them becoming stronger with each kiss. Like he was terrified she might vanish, his hands moved over her, learning every inch of her.

As the candles flickered across the room, they made love and lost themselves in each other for hours. Together, they laughed, whispered secrets, and held on to the closeness that was now exclusively theirs.

Sophia put her head on Alexander's chest and listened to his steadily beating heart as morning drew near. She felt absolutely cherished and protected.

However, a faint buzzing sound broke the silence as she was ready to fall asleep.

Alexander became stiff.

His cellular phone.

He reached from the nightstand for it, sighing reluctantly. He felt his body stiffen as he read the message that flashed over the screen.

Sophia sat up. What is it?

His jaw tightened as icy calculating immediately took the place of the warmth in his gaze.

"They've discovered us."